CCBC Essex Falls to Cecil in High-Scoring Affair

NORTH EAST, MD — Despite showing some offensive spark, CCBC Essex couldn't overcome a tough third inning and fell 12-7 to the Cecil College Seahawks on Sunday afternoon. The loss marks the fifth straight defeat for the Knights, including three consecutive Region 20 setbacks, dropping their overall record to 14-17 and giving Cecil a 2-1 series lead in the four-game season matchup.

The Seahawks wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in the bottom of the first on a single by Chris Woods. However, it was a seven-run third inning that broke the game wide open. Cecil strung together five hits and capitalized on walks and a passed ball to pull away. Key hits in the inning came from Hunter Sipel, Braydon Janzer, Brendan Aiken, and Couper Stala, while Ben Campbell and Woods each drew bases-loaded walks.

Sophomore Mitchell Bayles (Richmond, VA / Glen Allen) got the start for the Knights, going three innings and giving up seven hits and eight runs — only one of them earned — while striking out three and walking five. Defensive miscues again proved costly for Essex, who struggled to find rhythm early.

Offensively, Sophomore Jimmy Perez (Queens, NY / High School for Arts and Business) provided a spark with a no-doubt home run to right field in the sixth — his second of the season — driving in two runs. Freshman Connor Bailey (Salisbury, MD / Parkside) went 2-for-5 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits, while Sophomore Eduardo Zayas (Cidra, PR / Bilingual Education School at Cidra) showcased discipline with three of the Knights' eight walks on the day.

Cecil finished with 10 hits, led by Stala's perfect 3-for-3 performance at the top of the order. The Seahawks also drew seven walks and swiped several key bases to keep pressure on the Essex defense.

The Knights will look to bounce back quickly — Game 2 of the doubleheader is scheduled to begin in 30 minutes.